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The historic inauguration of President Barack Obama went a long way towards renewing Americans' hopes for a better future. But our nation's economy remains on shaky ground. Our country faces an economic crisis not seen since the Great Depression. The housing collapse caused a crisis in our financial institutions, triggering a broader economic slide that is eliminating jobs, shredding retirement accounts, and wiping out household wealth at a breathtaking pace.

In response to this crisis, President Obama has correctly called for an economic recovery package focused on job creation and short-term growth while boosting productivity in the long term. But a stimulus package by itself is not enough. We need a comprehensive, coordinated plan that provides economic stimulus and ensures we have all the resources needed to assist our banking system. I believe we must say to the financial community: If you need financing we will provide it, but only based on market reality -- on commercially rational terms.

We need a comprehensive, coordinated plan that provides economic stimulus and ensures we have all the resources needed to assist our banking system. I stand ready to help President Obama clean up the economic mess he inherited, put America back to work, and renew America's economic leadership.

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